Magic in Mussoorie: The Adventures of Nakul Sahej by Atul Sethi

I received the comic Magic in Mussoorie: The Adventures of Nakul Sahej by Atul Sethi as a review copy from Penguin and am thankful to them for the same. This book is the first book of the series of comic books set in the Garhwal Himalayas.

The blurb:

A comic book featuring history, mystery and time travel.

Archaeology student Nakul and his friend Kuku stumble upon an antique book while on holiday in Mussoorie. The book turns out to be a magical one that transports the two back in time to the Mussoorie of over a century ago. Meeting historical personalities of that time like Sir George Everest, who lives in a sprawling estate on the outskirts of Mussoorie, as well as the young maharaja of Punjab Duleep Singh, who has been exiled by the British and is spending a summer in the hill station, Nakul and his friend get involved in an intriguing adventure that sets off a series of events which can change the course of history.

Action-packed and unputdownable, this thrilling adventure story is the first in a series of comic books set in the Garhwal Himalayas.

The story:

Two young adventurers Nakul Sahej and Kuku, his friend travel to Mussoorie on vacation on a vacation. What awaits them around the corner is a time travel adventure set in the British Colonial rule in India. All this is done courtesy a magical book found in an antique shop. There is also a cameo of the childrens’ favourite author Ruskin Bond, after all how can Ruskin Bond be left out in a book of adventure in Mussoorie.

My take:

A comic book that is an enjoyable read no matter how old you are. The author’s writing style reminisces that of Ruskin Bond.

All the characters, especially Nakul and Kuku, are relatable and realistic. Mussoorie has been described beautifully with most of its landmarks.

There are titbits of history scattered across the story which improved my understanding of that era. The illustrations have been done beautifully. The twist and turns in the book made the book unputdownable till I read the very end of the plot.

This is one comic that can be read over and over and acts as a time-book which transports the reader into the story.

And of course, Ruskin Bond’s presence in the book, was like the cherry on top.

DISCLAIMER: I received the book as a review copy from the publisher, Penguin, in exchange for an honest review. I have not received any monetary compensation for the same.